And Then It's Spring
What’s inside...
Un chico planta varias semillas para hacer un huerto y mira hacia el cielo esperando que caiga la lluvia. Lo acompañan su perro, una tortuga, un conejo y algunas aves. El cambio de las estaciones y, con ellas, los distintos colores del paisaje están representados con gran detalle. También se encuentra recreada con gran maestría la idea del paso del tiempo. El libro es no sólo una mirada elocuente a los procesos cíclicos de la naturaleza, sino también y sobre todo un poema visual que nos habla de la paciencia, la esperanza y la renovación constante de la vida. Considerada como una de las mejores obras para niños de 2012 según The Washington Post y el mejor libro infantil del mismo año según Kirkus Reviews. Siguiendo un invierno lleno de nieve, un niño y su perro deciden que han tenido suficiente de todo ese marrón y resuelven plantar un jardín. Excavan, plantan, juegan, esperan... y esperan... hasta que por fin, el marrón se convierte en un tono de marrón más esperanzador, una señal de que la primavera finalmente puede estar en camino. La tierna historia de anticipación de Julie Fogliano cobra vida gracias a las distintivas ilustraciones de Erin E. Stead, ganadora de la Medalla Caldecott en 2011. Este título tiene conexiones con Common Core.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the little boy felt while waiting for the seeds to grow?
If you were to plant a garden, what would you like to grow and why?
How do you think the weather affects the growth of the plants?
What did you notice about the illustrations as the story progressed from winter to spring?
Why do you think it's important to be patient when waiting for something?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share their own experiences or thoughts about planting or waiting for something eagerly, relating it to the boy's journey in the story.
Discuss the importance of the seasons and how they change, relating it to the transformation from winter to spring in the book.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and the emotions depicted, fostering empathy and understanding.
After reading, consider planting a small plant together to practically connect the theme of the book with a real-world activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The story follows a young boy who plants seeds and eagerly awaits the first sign of spring. His journey reflects the virtue of patience as he watches and waits for the seeds to sprout.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply patience in their daily activities such as waiting for their turn, observing the growth of a plant, or anticipating a special event.
Example Lesson: Hope
Explanation: Amidst the barren, brown landscape, the boy remains hopeful for the green sprouts of spring. This optimistic outlook is a significant theme throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to remain hopeful even in seemingly bleak or challenging scenarios, fostering a positive mindset.
Example Lesson: Observation and curiosity
Explanation: As the boy watches for signs of spring, his close observation of his environment and the changes it undergoes is emphasized.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to observe natural changes around them, fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Understanding nature
Explanation: The book teaches about the process of planting and what seeds need to grow, conveying basic botanical concepts in a child-friendly way.
Real-World Application: This can ignite an interest in gardening or exploring nature, giving children a hands-on experience in caring for plants and understanding ecosystems.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite uncertainties and a long wait, the boy’s consistent care for his planted seeds demonstrates resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of maintaining their efforts and commitments, even when immediate results are not visible.